Faith and Mission

Indigenous Culture

‘Warami Mittigar’ – which means “Hello friends... welcome!” in the local Darug language.

Celebrating Culture and Connection at St Luke’s

At St Luke’s, we continue to celebrate and honour the richness of Indigenous culture within our community. Recently, our students have been engaging in learning experiences that deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, traditions, and connection to Country.

Through our Yarning Circle, cultural art projects, and storytelling sessions, students have been encouraged to reflect on the importance of Being, Belonging, and Becoming. Guided by local knowledge and the support of our Indigenous students and families, these experiences remind us of the value of connection—to culture, to community, and to creation.

We are also excited to share that upcoming initiatives will see students working alongside community partners to create meaningful expressions of culture, such as artwork installations, music, and ceremony that reflect our shared commitment to reconciliation.

We thank our families, staff, and local Elders for their ongoing support as we walk together in respect, reverence, and response.

Faith and Formation

Formation

YCS News

Our Young Christian Students (YCS) have been actively engaging in reflection and teamwork to explore how they can make a positive difference in our community. In their recent ROWLA session (Review of Life Activity), students worked in groups to identify a wide range of issues that young people and the wider community face today. Over the next few weeks, they will be shortlisting three practical issues and developing tangible solutions that can be put into action. This process helps them grow as leaders who not only recognise challenges but also take steps to create real change.

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference - Melbourne

Hot Dog Day Success! 🌭

On August 15, our community came together for Hot Dog Day to support Zoe (Year 10) as she prepares to attend the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in late November.

We are thrilled to share that, thanks to your generosity, we reached our target of 200 Hot Dogs sold! 🎉

A huge thank you to our students, families, and staff for your support. Your contributions not only made the day a success but also helped Zoe take an important step toward representing our College community at this national celebration of faith and leadership.

Liturgy

In recent weeks, our school has been richly blessed by moments of prayer and liturgical celebration. In week 3, the School of Foundations gathered to celebrate the Feast of Mary MacKillop with a Mass presided over by our parish priest, Fr Gayan. This was a special opportunity to remember and give thanks for the life and mission of Australia’s first saint, whose example continues to inspire us to live with courage, faith, and a deep call to holiness in our everyday lives.

In Week 4, the School of Leadership marked the Feast of the Assumption, one of the Church’s holy days of obligation, with a reverent Mass. Students and teachers reflected on the mystery of Mary being taken body and soul into heaven, reminding us of the hope and promise of eternal life that we are called to share.

Meanwhile, students in Years 9, 10, and 11 have been participating in class Masses, which have offered a quieter yet equally meaningful time of prayer, reflection, and community. These smaller gatherings have provided students with a space to deepen their relationship with God, to be present with one another, and to experience the richness of our Catholic tradition in a more personal way.

Together, these liturgies have nurtured our school’s spiritual life, drawing us into deeper encounter with God and with one another as a community of faith.

Social Outreach

At St Luke’s, our Social Justice initiatives are grounded in our Catholic faith. We are guided by the belief that :

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him.” – Genesis 1:27.This reminds us of the dignity and worth of every person and calls us to act with compassion and justice, especially for those on the margins of society.

Supporting Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS

Our Year 12 Mission class has been invited to lead a donation initiative in support of Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS). At present, JRS food stores are running very low, and our students are committed to helping through this important outreach project.

JRS works to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced people. This initiative provides our College community with a meaningful opportunity to extend compassion and practical support to those most in need.

We are asking each student to donate one item from the class allocation list below. All donations will be collected and delivered directly to JRS.

Donation Period: 📅 Monday, 1 September (Week 7) – Thursday, 11 September (Week 8)

With your generosity, JRS will be able to continue providing essential goods and resources to individuals and families facing hardship.

Items Most Needed (allocated by class groups): 

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to living out our College vision of faith, justice, and service.

Music Therapy Program with Marsden Park Care Community

Students in Stage 4 have been making fortnightly visits to the Marsden Park Care Community, where they have been taking part in a music therapy program alongside the residents. Through the simple yet powerful gift of music, students have been able to bring joy, create connections, and share in moments of laughter and reflection. For many of the residents, music awakens memories and offers comfort, while for the students it provides an opportunity to learn, grow, and recognise the deep value of every person they meet.

This experience beautifully reflects the Catholic Social Teaching of Human Dignity. At the heart of our faith is the belief that each person, regardless of age, health, or circumstance, possesses an inherent worth that must be recognised and respected. In visiting the residents, students are not only offering their time and talents but also affirming the dignity of those they encounter, reminding them that they are loved and valued.

The program also connects deeply to the words of Genesis 1:27: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them.” By recognising that all people are created in the image and likeness of God, students are encouraged to see the face of Christ in others and to treat them with compassion, kindness, and reverence. Their participation in this program becomes more than an activity - it is a living witness of faith in action, celebrating the gift of life and the sacredness of every person.

“From my visits to the nursing home, I remember making friends with the people there, talking to Annie, and discussing Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. It made me feel part of a Community, and it helped me feel connected with another generation through the music we had in common. Visiting helps me understand Catholic social teaching as it shows me that everyone was made in God's image in their own unique way, and that everyone has value in life. I also liked the fact that so many of the residents were kind, acknowledging, and open to talk!” - Noah DeLeon, Year 8

Jeans for Genes Day

On Friday, August 2, our College community proudly participated in Jeans for Genes Day to raise awareness and funds for vital medical research into childhood genetic conditions.

Students and staff came dressed in their favourite denim and generously donated to this important cause. Together, we not only raised funds but also showed our support for the many children and families whose lives are impacted by genetic diseases.

Thank you to everyone who contributed with both donations and spirit—the day was filled with colour, community, and compassion. Every dollar raised helps the Children’s Medical Research Institute continue its life-changing work.

Australian Red Cross

St Luke’s has partnered with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to provide members of our community the opportunity to donate blood. From August 12-16th the mobile van will be parked at Marsden Park Bunnings to accept donations. Members of our community aged 18+ can join the St Luke’s team and donate blood on these dates. This opportunity will be available every three months, as this is the maximum frequency that you can donate. For more information or to join the St Luke’s team, please email Martyn Ellis at mellis3@parra.catholic.edu.au

WASTE FREE WEDNESDAYS - Social Justice Initiative

In alignment with Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home, we have introduced ‘Waste Free Wednesdays’. This initiative encourages students to bring lunches free from single-use plastics, fostering environmental stewardship and reflecting our Catholic values.

Each Wednesday, we’re encouraging all students and staff to bring waste-free lunches to help care for our environment.

• That means: Reusable containers Refillable drink bottles Nude food (no wrappers or single-use plastics)

Let’s work together to reduce waste and protect God’s creation.Every small action makes a big difference! 

Think Green. Act Clean. Be Waste-Free! 

Thank you for your support in making this initiative a success! 

From the St Luke’s Parish Community

EXCITING NEWS! ~ We’ve received the Occupation Certificate, and the temporary fences are down—our new church building is ready! A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Please mark your calendars for 19 October, the Feast of St Luke, our patron, when we will celebrate the official opening and blessing of our new church building. Bishop Vincent will celebrate Mass at the marketplace and lead the special ceremony. Stay tuned for more details!

CALLING ALL CREATIVE KIDS ~ We invite all children to join the art competition for the opening of St Luke’s Church Building. This is a special chance to share your creativity and be part of a historic day for our parish. The winning artwork will be printed on a bookmark to keep as a memory for everyone.

Theme:  St Luke Sheets available: 30/31 August

Closing date:  19th September (entries to be placed in the drop box)

Your artwork will help make this day one to remember for years to come.

St Luke’s Youth Night

HEY LEGENDS!

You’re invited to an epic St Luke’s Youth Night — and trust us, you don’t wanna miss this one

Friday 29th  August 2025

 6:30PM – Mass at The Demountable   (next to the Parish Office)

 7:00PM – 9:00PM – Snacks, games, and good vibes!

Whether you’re new, been before, or just curious — come hang out with us. Bring your friends, bring your energy, and get ready for a night of faith, food, and fun.

Snacks? Sorted.

Games? Ready.

Music? Absolutely

Good people? Always.

No boring stuff. Just chill hangs, and a place to belong.

We can’t wait to see you there!

The St Luke’s Youth Team

Supporting Our Aspiring Catholics – OCIA at St Luke’s Parish

The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) – formerly known as RCIA – will soon begin at St Luke’s Parish. This journey of faith is for those who are exploring the Catholic Church and may be feeling called to join our community.

We encourage our school community to be attentive to students, parents, or staff who may be aspiring to become Catholic but are unsure of how to begin. Sometimes, a kind word or gentle guidance can make all the difference.

If you know someone who is seeking or would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, please invite them to contact our parish office:Email: marsdenpark@parracatholic.orgPhone: (02) 8530 0173 or Mobile: 0422 724 160

Let’s continue to be a welcoming and supportive community of faith.

Contact

Should you need to contact the St Luke’s Parish Community, the contact details follow here:

Fr Gayan Thamel: gayan.thamel@parracatholic.org

Parish Priest

Ged Oblea: marsdenpark@parracatholic.org

Administrative Assistant

Ph: 02 8530 0173 Mobile: 0422 724 160

Website: https://stlukesmarsdenpark.org.au/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlukesmarsdenpark